The Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (JDA) of the Gulf of Thailand likely will see its first production coming from the Cakerawala find, for which a field development plan is expected in the fourth quarter.
Wood Mackenzie Consultants Ltd. said Cakerawala is the most significant of three finds made so far on Block A-18 by the Carigali-Triton Operating Co. (CTOC) joint venture of Triton Energy Ltd., Dallas, and Malaysian state firm Petroliam Nasional Bhd. (Petronas).
On Block B-17, operated by the Carigali-Pttepi Operating Co. (CPOC) joint venture of Petronas and Thai state firm Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT), two gas finds have been made, Muda and Tapi, the first of which is slated for production by the end of 2000.
"The reserves estimate for the JDA is considered to total around 6-7 tcf of natural gas," said Wood Mackenzie, "with associated condensate and black oil."
On Block A-18, the analyst reckons CTOC has proven estimated reserves of 4 tcf of gas in Cakerawala, Suriya, Bulan, and Bumi reservoirs. These also have total estimated reserves of 30-35 million bbl of oil.
CTOC is expected to develop Block A-18 discoveries in stages, starting with Cakerawala. Wood Mackenzie initially envisages a central processing and production platform, with two or three satellite wellhead platforms.
The analyst sees gas exports by pipeline via a planned riser platform in Erawan field off Thailand as the most likely approach, while liquids produced in later development are expected to be loaded into a floating storage unit for tanker export.
"Production from phase one development of Cakerawala could start in 2000," said Wood Mackenzie, "assuming a gas sales contract can be agreed during 1996.
"Production rates from the field are likely to plateau at around 300-400 MMcfd by early next century. Associated liquids production is expected to reach around 5,000 b/d."
The analyst said a recent memorandum of understanding between the Malaysian and Thai governments lays the foundation for gas sales negotiations: "It appears that PTT and Petronas will jointly be the buyers, although the end market for initial sales will most likely be Thailand."
Estimated reserves for Block B-17 are tentative, based on only one well in each of the Muda and Tapi finds, said Wood Mackenzie.
Reserves are pegged at 1.5 tcf and 1 tcf of gas, respectively. Block B-17 development is expected to be similar to Block A-18.
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